troops in iraq and kuwait, and in iraqi mess with vice president biden and the general ray odierno, commander of the u.s. troops. more recently, senator casey has strong support of israel during the fighting in gaza last month. senator casey has said, quote, the u.s. must continue to support vigilance and the resolution with hamas. israel is the right under international law to set up a naval blockade, chief weapons from being sent to hamas, and the responsibility to protect its homeland. hamas is a terrorist organization that denies israel's right to exist. it has 5,000 rockets at israeli citizens and towns. it's a proxy for iran and the main impediment to peace in the region and, quote, then he goes on to say, israel's citizens deserve to live without fear as we move forward we must continue to do all we can to strengthen the unbreakable bond. how was that for clarity? as he heads into the second term next month, have no doubt he will continue to do just that. please welcome me -- join me in welcoming our friend, robert casey. [applause] >> thank you. thanks so much, ken for the introductio